The humble hot dog.
A classic and staple dish for most to enjoy during a sports game or for cooking over a BBQ. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways that you can add something extra to your hot dog whilst still enjoying that delicious flavor combination of hot dog and bun!
With that being said here are some great hot dog dinner ideas that will inspire you to up your hot dog game this year.
Beef Chilli Dogs
A little spice goes nicely with hot dogs and when it comes to hot dogs, beef chili dogs are a popular pick. With lashings of chili spooned over a hot dog, it can get a little messy but for all the right reasons.
Beef chili dogs are a favorable one at outdoor events, especially when the weather is on the cooler side. There’s nothing better than a winter warmer like these chili dogs.
There are variations of this depending on what state you live in but it’s a timeless recipe that caters to all the family.
Corn Dog Twists
One for the kids, these Corn Dog Twists are a great way to get the little ones involved.
For some kids, having a whole hot dog to themselves is a little too much. These corn dog twists are a good way to enjoy the perfect amount without having any leftovers that the parents have to eat.
Another great one to serve as a starter for your guests, set out some dips for everyone to dive into. They’re also easy to make and can be something that the kids can get involved with too when creating.
Chili Dog Baked Potatoes
If you’re watching your waistline, chances are you’re after a calorie alternative to the hot dog buns. While they’re delicious, they can often be highly calorific and that’s where baked potatoes become a suitable pick.
The Chili Dog Baked Potatoes can be a great way to enjoy a hot dog dish during a weeknight dinner. They’re something you could incorporate into your weekly meal plan because they’re fairly easy to assemble together.
For baked potato lovers, these chili dog baked potatoes will help keep you full throughout the day as a lunchtime dish or they can satisfy your hot dog cravings in the evenings as a main meal.
Indiana-Style Corn Dogs
Corn dogs, in general, have become extremely popular recently beyond the USA. The origins of the corn dog are thought to be that of German immigrants who were sausage makers.
They found that the sausages they were providing weren’t being embraced and so the corn dog was therefore created.
For those who want to try out the corndog recipe, you can’t go wrong with Indiana-Style Corn Dogs. They’re also easy to make at home. Simply make up the cornmeal batter and have a tall glass available for dunking the sausage into the batter itself.
The hot dogs or sausages used can vary depending on your preference. Some like to combine the sausage with a slab of cheese, which is then dunked into the batter.
Chili Dog Pizza
Another alternative option to the hot dog bun – we promise we love our buns! The Chili Dog Pizza is a great way to enjoy the hot dog flavors but instead, topped on a pizza base.
It’s a great option for those evenings sitting in front of the TV, watching your favorite Netflix series or movie. Simply spread tomato sauce on the base and top with cheese, sausage, and anything else you fancy.
It’s a somewhat fuller meal option for dining with the family and partnering it up with some french fries or a side salad is a great way to mix it up every so often.
Grilled Cheese Dogs
Hot dogs are delicious, especially they’ve been topped with grilled cheese. When you thought hot dog buns couldn’t taste any better, you’ll experience new taste bud sensations when it goes on the grill.
Make sure you’re using a great quality cheese when grilling and one that’s not going to easily burn. Any mature cheddars or harder cheeses are great when doing this method of cooking your hot dogs.
This is a tasty option for those who love cheese!
Jalapeño Popper Dogs
If a spicy kick is required, then you needn’t look any further than these Jalapeño Popper Dogs. As a spicy chili, the Jalapeño is a preferred choice for anyone that likes an extra punch to their hot dog bites.
When preparing your hot dogs, take the Jalapeño and wrap it around the sausage like a hot blanket. Add in cheese if you want that cheese pull and then fry or cook in the oven depending on your preference for taste.
Snuggle into your hot dog bun and you’ve got a great pre-game snack or meal to enjoy whilst enjoying a winter evening outdoors.
Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
For occasions where canapes are required, these mini mac and cheese dogs are the perfect bite-sized option. Who doesn’t love combining mac and cheese with a hot dog? It’s a little carb overload but we love it.
With these mini mac and cheese dogs, you can simply split your sausage into chunks and add these to your mini buns. Top off with some savory mac and cheese.
For that extra crunch, a few breadcrumbs sprinkled on top will have you and your guests going in for more.
Quesadogas
If you’re a big fan of Tex-Mex, then these Quesadogas are a mash-up that you’ll want to take full advantage of. The tortilla wrapped around the dog is a combination that you need to try.
Combining Monterey Jack and your go-to cheeses, jalapeño, green onion, and chili powder – it’s a delicious mix of flavors and textures for your tastebuds.
Sometimes the traditional hot dog can get a little boring, so why not start mixing it up a little?
Pickle Dogs
This one is likely to be a love/hate scenario. You’ll either like the idea of a pickle dog, or you’ll think it’s a step too far in the wrong direction.
Pickles come in different varieties from spicy to sweet pickles. What you choose to pair with your dog is completely up to you but we’d recommend your genric, jar-filled pickles.
The bigger they are, the easier they’ll be to fit in the sausage and any toppings that you want to add on top.
Hot Docos
Another Mexican-inspired dish is the Hot Docos. These are a great one for those who love the crunch of the taco and would prefer it to a soft bun.
The Hot Daco is typically made up of a lot of the same ingredients that the Quesadogas have. The nacho cheese sauce is a must-have with these tacos.
Topped with sour cream and guacamole, they’re a great alternative that has become popular due to the fast-food chains readily available and inspiring some unique combos.
Chili Cheese Dog Cups
If you’re looking for another canape idea or some small bites as an evening snack, these Chili Cheese Dog Cups are simply the best.
Who doesn’t want a cupcake-sized hot dog?
These chili cheese dog cups are made out of a biscuit dough and filled with chili, cheese, and sausage. It’s a tasty mouthful that anyone would love, both for the adults and for the kids in your household.
If you want to add a bit of garnish, then some chives will work well if sprinkled over the top before serving up. You could also add a bit of hot sauce if you fancy leveling up the heat.
Garlic Bread Hot Dogs
Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can go with just about anything. Many of us love stuffing garlic into our meals and so it’s only natural for someone to combine hot dogs and garlic bread together.
They elevate your hot dog bun by adding a buttery garlic spread that envelopes the sausage. A delightful taste combination that will certainly rival how you choose to make your hot dogs in the future.
We certainly approve of this delicious tasting dog. There’s also no limit to how many garlic cloves you want to mix into your garlic spread. We recommend a handful!
Everything Bagel Dogs
When it comes to comfort foods, hot dog recipes are a go-to. With Everything Bagel Dogs, you can combine this everything bagel seasoning with a juicy bite of a hot dog.
It’s a hearty meal that goes really well with other party food or as a lunchtime feast.
For fans of bagels and the seasoning that comes with them typically, it’s a great mix and one that you’ll want to have more than just one of.
Try one of these delicious hot dog dinner ideas
There are many different combinations of hot dogs that you can try out. However, nothing beats a classic hot dog with ketchup and mustard.
If hot dogs are your favorite foods, then make sure you give one of these hot dog dinner ideas a go.
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